This Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sticky deliciousness! With tender, juicy chicken coated in a homemade honey garlic glaze, this recipe is a breeze to make and will quickly become a family favorite. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, date night, or anytime you need a sweet and flavorful comfort meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Perfectly sweet, savory, and sticky flavors in every bite.
Juicy, tender chicken that pairs wonderfully with rice or veggies.
A quick one-pan recipe that cuts down on cleanup time.
Ready in under 30 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need. Full ingredient list is at the bottom of this post.

Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
Honey
Garlic, minced
Soy sauce
Olive oil or vegetable oil
Cornstarch

Directions

Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Cut into evenly sized pieces if using breasts.
Coat the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch, making sure they are evenly coated. This will help create a crispy exterior.
Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the glaze: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add honey and soy sauce, whisking to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir until all pieces are coated in the honey garlic glaze. Simmer for another minute until everything is sticky and well combined.
Serve: Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Crispy Chicken: Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with cornstarch to get that irresistible crispy sear.
Balance sweetness: Adjust the honey depending on your preference for sweetness.
Add spice: Toss in a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy-sweet combo.
Cook evenly: Ensure the chicken is not overcrowded in the skillet while cooking to promote even browning.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add ginger: Grated fresh ginger adds an authentic depth of flavor to the glaze.
Make it spicy: Combine honey with sriracha or chili paste for a sweet heat combo.
Swap the protein: This recipe works with shrimp, pork, or even tofu!
Low-sodium version: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos as a healthier alternative.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or jasmine rice for the perfect pairing.
Pair with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Add a side of crusty bread or noodles to soak up the sticky honey garlic glaze.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Allow to cool, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a splash of water to the glaze if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes! Just increase the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Q2: How do I make the honey garlic glaze less sticky?
Add a splash of chicken broth or a little extra soy sauce to thin out the glaze if desired.

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Q4: Can I use BBQ sauce instead of honey glaze?
Of course! Swap the honey glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky alternative.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is simple enough for a quick weeknight meal. Sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor, it’s a one-pan wonder that will become a staple in your dinner rotation. Serve it over rice, pair with your favorite veggies, or eat it on its own—the choice is yours. Either way, you’ll love every bite!

Honey Garlic Chicken

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet, savory, and packed with flavor, this Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken is coated in a sticky, garlicky honey sauce that pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.

Instructions

In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve warm over rice or noodles.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 20 minutes before cooking.
You can substitute chicken thighs with shrimp or tofu for variation.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 330
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 105mg